Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Clan Matters

Since the dawn of time, we have lived within the ever
progressive, but unchanging dynamics of the clan. In the beginning, it was for
survival against unknown enemies of nature and other human beings. Over time, other
reasons became a necessary part of the clan – land, money, power, control; but
always and ultimately for survival.

Contrary to popular belief, clans were not comprised simply of
a single family. Indeed, clans embraced a multitude of people. They were among
the first organized communities, encompassing several families and their extended
families, as well as the servants within the families.

Everyone in the clan had a purpose and contribution to make,
no matter their status. Regardless of feudalism, everyone served a purpose. There
were the healers, the spiritual leaders, the black smiths, and people of every
vocation. However, there were none who served a greater purpose in the clan
than those who took up the sword, battle axe, and other weapons for the purpose
of protecting the clan. These were the Warriors.

The warriors were held in high
revere and rarely found themselves in want of anything. The clan provided their
every need in exchange for their protection. The young grew up in the shadows
of these fierce men and women. (Celt and early Norse.) Were the Warriors
perfect? Absolutely not, but who among us are?

Today, we have matters of the clan to discuss. Our warriors
have been demonized into the monsters that haunt the dreams of young children.
Each day they who have sworn to serve and protect our small towns, cities and
even our country have found themselves in want.

A truth: As in the days of the clans, there are a few
who have not honored their oaths, but the majority goes to work each day with
honor in their hearts and actions.

The words of the Cass County Sheriff stung in my heart two
weeks ago, “…we [police officers] are hunted.”

If we are hunting our
own warriors, who will protect us when they become extinct?

If we continuously feed negative images of police officers
to the media machine, they will continue to overshadow the good work that these
men and women do every day of their lives. I know it seems harsh to those who
are negatively affected by the few without honor, but you must concede that
most have their honor and integrity intact. Most would take a bullet for you,
regardless of who you are.

This “hunting” of law enforcement, be it through
videography, or through violence must come to an end, or one day we may find
ourselves at the mercy of the hunters. Do you see how that works? In the days
of the clans there were those who would conspire to overthrow the ruling clan.
They would muster up enough support for a revolution and then turn out worse
than what was. Usually in a God-forsaken tyranny that would last for years.

Law enforcement is our first and last line between order and
chaos. In this battle “no man’s land” does not exist. Either there is law and
order, or there isn’t. The choice is up to us.